Tonight on SuperNanny - January 15, 2007
A widowed mom of four has kids gone wild on Supernanny -
Mihalik Family
Donna is a single mom who’s been through multiple ordeals over the last four years. Her son, Cole (8), survived a two-year, all-consuming battle with leukemia. But soon afterwards, two years ago, Donna’s husband Steve suddenly died. Left alone to bring up their four children - Blake (11), Cole, Aiden (3) and Stephanie (1+½) - Donna was so depleted, she lost control of the kids. She found it easier to give in than to discipline. Now the older boys swear and curse at their mom, fight constantly, and have no respect for her or each other. The oldest, Blake, often runs off to hang out with older kids in the neighborhood, and Donna has no say over when he’ll come home. She fears that the youngest two are starting to follow their big brothers’ example. But when Jo Frost tries to show Mom how to implement rules that stick, there’s a near-mutiny by the boys.
If, for no other reason, you might consider tuning into SuperNanny tonight just to see this amazing woman. Truly a woman with the strength of Job. How could one person endure so much and still walk?
Tags: mihalik-family, reality-tv, Super Nanny, supernannyRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Super Nanny
30 opinions for Tonight on SuperNanny - January 15, 2007
Angela
Jan 15, 2007 at 10:47 am
I’ll definitely be watching for this one! As a former single Mom myself I want to see what techniques there are to learn from.
beth
Jan 15, 2007 at 9:19 pm
so what is so wonderful about ‘donna’. i never saw her embracing her childern, or rewarding them in any way with love and confidence in the rules that they followed. i understand that she is in mourning but she needs to show the childern that she is there for them. childern need hugs and kisses and conversation just to know that there is someone there for them. i did not see those emotions from donna in any way. and by the way i am a single mom of 2 beautiful childern.
Linda
Jan 16, 2007 at 12:07 am
With the assistance of a wonderful husband my husband & I raise 2 special needs children. Our youngest suffering from ADHD/Mood Disorder/Sensory Integration Disorder/HF Autism becomes violent and aggressive when frustrated. We have worked diligently for over 4 years to gain control and strategies to deal with these challenges, often ldeft feeling alone. I can imagine how overwhelmed, frustrated and alone Donna must feel. My condolences and prayers are with you. Keep up the good work.
Sarah Fine
Jan 16, 2007 at 10:15 am
Very unfortunate with all the recent tragedy in the life of the family. However, such physical violence and curse words out of the mouths of such small children cannot be tolerated. Hitting a parent is not to be put up with either. It sounds like professional counseling might be in order.
Signed-A single mother
rachel vorstenbosch
Jan 16, 2007 at 6:38 pm
What a sad show that was. I never cry during shows but I did for her and those kids. How did the father die? I never saw any support from other family or friends.
Gayla
Jan 17, 2007 at 10:59 am
I think Donna did an amazing job considering all she’d been through.
I’m in the process of preparing my own review of the episode and will go more in depth with my opinions, but I truly felt for that woman.
rachel vorstenbosch
Jan 17, 2007 at 6:05 pm
I think the keywords are emotionally depleted. I saw that too and you just have to realize she had nothing left to give. Those two years of no sleep and worry etc. But she has to move on and love what she has. What beautiful kids they are too.
lori foster
Jan 19, 2007 at 7:20 pm
My name is Lori Foster and I am the mother of Brenden Foster that just appeared on the Mahalik episode of the “Super Nanny.” First of all I would like to say that Donna has been through even more than anyone watching the show could possibly even imagine. She is a very strong person that just reached her limit of heart aches.
I can only speak in regards to Blake, the 11 year old. He has been practically living at my house for the past 3 years and he has always been considerate, helpful and most of all respectful. He and my son, Brenden, were portrayed on the show as being delinquents and I only have one comment for that….EDITING!!!!!!!
Brenden is like a big brother to Blake and tries very hard to be a positive roll model. Having said that I realize Brenden is 14 and was on “National” tv. He wanted to be “cool.” They are good kids and I love Blake like my own child.
I also want to say that the “update” was done the day the tree was planted for Blake’s father. I was shocked to hear from Blake that the “update” occured during the 2 week filming of the show. I just hope and pray that the “Super Nanny” show offered the Mahalik family some kind of on going therapy for all of them as they are grieving terribly. I would hope that the show goes beyond just the tv ratings.
One more thing….when Blake was found on the computer at my house the film crew took him from playing outside to the computer room and asked him to show them what he does on the computer. He wasn’t actually on it until they asked him to be.
Just my personal thoughts …………….Lori Foster
Edited on 01/17/2007 1:31pm
Gayla
Jan 19, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Lori ~ Thanks for posting. To be honest, I for one realize how some of these shows are edited. I had the wonderful experience of visiting Sony Studios in California for the taping of a show and saw how much time when into making the half hour segment.
I honestly never thought of your son as being a delinquent - but rather a kid who was playing cool for the cameras. That’s a boy for ya.
If you’d be interested in writing up something for me to post based on your own experience so that others may take this type of thing into consideration, I’d be happy to do so.
Again, welcome to Super Nanny Rules and thanks for posting.
KC
Jan 20, 2007 at 4:17 pm
When people make the “choice” to put themselves and their family on national TV they have to be fully aware that there are message boards and forums out there and the peoplewho watch, are going to put their opinion out there. That is just human nature. If you don’t desire to have your life exposed for the whole world to have an opinion on (either for the good or bad), then don’t do it; don’t go on national TV and air your issues out. Plain and simple. Know what you are getting yourself into before you do it.
lori foster
Jan 20, 2007 at 6:33 pm
This message is in response to KC’s and Beth’s comments. Donna is a very strong, highly educated individual and I think I can speak for her when I say she had NO problem having “her life exposed” on national t.v. She was simply so desperate for help that she truly believed the “Supernanny” could help her family. Donna had only good things to say about Jo, but we were both very shocked when the crew actually manipulated situations to create more “exciting” t.v. viewing. The whole point to Donna calling the show was to get help. All she ended up getting was cameras in every room of her house for 2 weeks. Jo wasn’t even there that whole time. Lastly, I would like to say to all those that are passing judgement on the Mihalik family is “No one can truly understand someone’s situation until they have walked the same road”. I pray for Donna and her family every day and wish them only happiness.
Lori Foster
Donna Mihalik
Jan 22, 2007 at 1:10 am
Obviously the producers decide what will be on the show! I would have never shown myself crying that much. I truly wasn’t worried about how the show “made” us appear. I called Jo to help our family. The show is going to concentrate on the “issues” in the family because the objective of the show is to identify a problem and present a solution. The people who truly know us (and now those that don’t) absolutely know that my children can misbehave but, they also know that they are also sensitive, caring, loving and bright. I understand that there are certain things that make a show more interesting but I do not agree with damaging someone’s character to do so. To imply that Blake or Brenden are on the verge of delinquency was completely unfounded. I hope that ABC has good intentions when working with any family. I truly believe that Jo is sincere and I will be forever grateful to her for encouraging me to allow myself to express the saddness of Cole’s illness and the loss of Steve. The beautiful tree that she gave us is a wonderful way for us to remember and to celebrate Steve(daddy). Donna Mihalik
Gayla
Jan 22, 2007 at 6:42 am
To be completely honest, I’m glad the show shed some light on what teens do when their parents are sleeping. Even *if* in the case of the Mihalik family, it was a bit embellished.
I think more parents should take more of an interest in what their kids are doing. Rest assured there will be measures taken when mine are old enough to insure HUGE alarms sound should they start trying to sneak out.
Kids are getting away with far too many crimes because they are “kids being kids.” Not that the teens on the Mihalik episode are, but it does give parents something to think about.
I appreciate the episode very much. Donna, I think you were very brave in taking your issues to the reality tv arena and regardless of how much you were caught crying, I think there were plenty out here that were crying with you.
A friend
Jan 22, 2007 at 8:58 pm
So, “what’s so special about Donna?” For anyone who knows her, there is absolutely no question that she, and her family, are very special. She is a remarkable, loving person that cares incredibly for her family.
Just remember, TV shows parade just what the viewers want to see. Would it make for a popular show if they displayed the happy, loving, and exciting times that they have which others and I see?
Unlike what we viewed, Donna is a very upbeat, energetic person who is not always looking worn and crying. She is usually smiling and laughing, having a great oulook on life. She does have her hands full, but she does have many friends and support, unlike what was commented upon.
As for her children,I find them, yes, energetic, but full of life, being loving and caring most of the time. Blake, the “almost delinquent,” is frequently helping out and leading Stephanie by her hand. He and Cole frequently take responsibility when asked. Never was mentioned about the many times at night that they both help their mom take care and responsibility when Donna needs to take Aiden to the hospital for his heart condition. They are extremely bright and intelligent, maybe too much at times. By the way, Brendan is a very well behaved and polite kid.
Also, remember that Aiden is a 3 year old and acts typically so…testing and LEARNING the limits. (Stephanie is just an adorable two year old.)
I knew Steve, her husband, and they worked as a team. A father of a patient of mine who is a basketball coach had it well worded. He told me of child care, “when we had our first child, my wife and I played two-on-one. With our second, we played one-on-one. With the third, it was total zone defense!” Donna doesn’t have that team anymore.
I’m so glad about the special segment of the tree planting for Steve. No, Donna hasn’t gotten over Steve’s death, and never will. I was certainly aghast when it was insinuated that Donna was ignoring this unbelieveably significant event in her and her children’s lives. She misses him dearly and her house is adorned with pictures of him.
Donna really never wanted anyone to feel sorry for her. She was hoping that by being on Super Nanny that she would learn and that so would others. She always looks toward a bright future and enjoyment in life…and may you all!
Betty Aldrich
Jan 22, 2007 at 10:50 pm
I do not have a comment on a specific program, but I watch all of them. I raised four childred and now watch them raise eight grand kids and four great grand kids. I just don’t understand why, when you tell a child to sit and eat their lunch, or whatever, the parents and Jo also end the ststement with “Okay?” Why are you asking, when you are trying to “tell” them to do something. Doesn’t make sense to me.
WMartin
Jan 23, 2007 at 7:16 am
I have been reading all these posts about neighbors and support systems for the family and how wonderful the neighbors have been. Why would you be kind to someone and then behind their back be rude. I would be careful as I came across the following post written by supposedly one of the next door neighbors:
“I did almost drive over one of their puppies by accident… they were out running in the street.
My wife, before the husband died, had to watch one of their kids who got off the school bus and the parents weren’t home… they “lost all track of time at wal-mart. How–HOW?–can you lose track of time in Wal-Mart?”
It is concerning to me that you think you know your neighbors and then read something like this. It goes to show that people can be nice to your face but it is amazing what they say behind your back. No, I am not a mother myself. My wife and I have no children, but after reading the post, it makes me wonder how well I know my own neighbors. Best of luck to the family.
Gayla
Jan 23, 2007 at 7:27 am
Thanks WMartin. I think you bring up a very interesting and valuable point/lesson here.
No one really knows their friends/neighbors at all.
This is one of the things I’ve been trying to teach my kids about their friends at school. It’s a fact of human nature that people turn on one another.
My son is serving detention on Thursday because he reacted to getting hit in the face with a snowball - he got caught and the other kid lied. The other kid gets to go home on Thursday as if nothing happened at all.
Thanks for posting though. You do bring up an interesting topic/discussion idea.
WMartin
Jan 23, 2007 at 8:21 am
Thank you Gayla. It is really troubling to me that these supposed “neighbors” are bragging that they brought food, helped with different things and then made statements such as they made. It is sad that in your time of need the people who are on the surface appearing to reach out and be kind; when the opportunity presents itself they make such horrible statements. How can Mrs. Mihalik even trust the people she put her faith in? She has enough on her mind, not having to wonder about what neighbors are writing. These people even posted a photo of themselves. Disgusting.
Gayla
Jan 23, 2007 at 8:36 am
WMartin, would you mind emailing me privately and telling me HOW you came to find this information. You don’t have to give me the links or where, just a little how to.
I’d personally like to pay them a visit :)
I think it is terrible what people will do just to make themselves feel bigger, better and badder.
It must be so terrible to have such a low self image that you’d sacrifice your neighbors and friends in attempt to build yourself up.
Very sad indeed.
You can email me directly at GaylaATmomgadget.com if you don’t mind.
In the strictest of confidence of course.
Gayla
Jan 23, 2007 at 8:44 am
Never mind WMartin, I was able to find the tard all on my own.
I’ve got a few words for/about that.
Thanks for shining a little light on that.
WMartin
Jan 23, 2007 at 9:13 am
Gayle, I am sorry I stepped away for a bit but looks like you found it.
Donna
Jan 23, 2007 at 9:13 pm
I was suprised to read some of the comments made about our family. I found the comments made by mndconn to be very hurtful because I had believed that this neighbor was a kind and thoughtful person. I have never detected any negative feelings from them and actually thought that they were very supportive at the time of my husband’s death. Now I wonder how sincere they were. I am hurt by those comments. I’d also like to respond to the statement that there was footage of the boys running around at night. This is completely untrue. The footage was at Brendens house in the afternoon. The boys spend alot of time at my house and they do not run around at 2:00 am here. They do stay up playing video games and playing on the computer. I think that it is unbelievable that anyone would take the imformation from the show and try to sensationalize it. I called the nanny because I wanted my family to be happier. I was not afraid of how the show would make us appear. The people who truly know my family love us unconditionally. I do appreciate the kind comments. Unless you have been through it you cannot know the profound impact that a illness or a death can have on a family. Cole started treatment for high risk leukemia when he was four. Steve died before Cole had completed his treatment. At the time of Steve’s death I was seven weeks pregnant with our daughter. I would never choose to have all of these things happen but I can truly say that I have met some wonderful people along the way that I probably otherwise would not have. The people I admire the most in my life are those who reserve judgement. Another quality that I admire is the ability to empathize with others. People who know my children know that they are sensitive, caring, loving intelligent, wonderful children. I will be forever grateful to Jo for coming here and for the beautiful tree to celebrate Steve. Donna Mihalik
WMartin
Jan 24, 2007 at 8:08 am
Mrs. Mihalik, I am relieved that the person who spoke poorly of you apologized. I am not a person to preach religion but I belive it is best put, “Judge not lest ye be judged” and “let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” Just food for thought for those “judging”. My wife and I wish you and your family peace and happiness.
Gayla
Jan 24, 2007 at 9:10 am
Mrs. Mihalik ~ I think you are doing a fine job! The primary reason I posted the information written by your neighbor was to an a$$ and a$$.
People need to realize that what they say in effort to lift themselves up to seem more important than what they really are - can be very hurtful to others.
If nothing else I was hoping it would serve as a form of public humiliation having stuck his foot in his mouth and I wanted him to choke on it.
You don’t need people like that in your life anyway. There are plenty of others who stand behind you - obviously your neighbor is jealous of the attention you’ve gotten - without considering at what cost.
People like that should find a rock, crawl under it and never emerge.
Keep your chin up - you’ve got a good friend base going of people who genuinely care about you and your children.
Swanson Mom
Jan 25, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Hi Donna - My family and I were on Super Nanny the week before yours. I understand your frustrations and hurt by what people can post when they truly have NO insight into YOUR family. I want you to know that I completely understand your stance and wanting to get help. I applaude you for reaching out for the help. I can’t imagine all you were and are going through. My prayers are with you and your family that you will be given some rest and peace. I wish I knew how to get you my email, but I’d prefer not to give it out on a public forum. ((((((Donna & Family))))))
Donna Mihalik
Jan 26, 2007 at 8:43 am
Gayla you can give Swanson Mom my email. Donna
Gayla
Jan 26, 2007 at 8:59 am
Donna and Swanson Mom - You’ve got mail :)
Swanson Mom
Jan 26, 2007 at 10:00 am
Thank you, I’ve emailed Donna!
cynthia
Jun 25, 2007 at 9:35 pm
june ‘07…. just saw this tonight.
best wishes to the family and i hope each day becomes easier and easier.
Brianna
Jun 26, 2007 at 12:09 am
Donna Mihalik — you are truly an inspiration and I hope one day when I have kids I can be as strong as you. I watched your episode tonight and I don’t know if you’ll ever read this, but your strength and courage has greatly inspired me. I grew up with an alcoholic mother and a workaholic father and as I was watching the episode tonight, I found myself wishing that my mom was half as great a mom as you are. You are a great inspiration and I hope that you are doing well.
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